Ó Ríordáin: Orban’s Defeat Gives Europe a Chance to Move Forward
Ó Ríordáin: Orban’s Defeat Gives Europe a Chance to Move Forward - The Labour Party
Following the elections in Hungary, which have seen Viktor Orbán defeated, Dublin Labour MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has said this represents a crucial opportunity for Europe to move forward after years of far-right blockages and sabotage from Budapest.
Speaking after the announcement of the results, he said the outcome opens the door for a more united and effective European response to the key challenges facing the continent, from continued support for Ukraine to the defence of international law.
He said:
“Hungarians have chosen to get rid of the most toxic force in European politics. Europe’s stooge for Putin and Trump is gone and Europe now has a chance to move on.
“For years, Orbán ran a sabotage operation in Europe, standing in the way of support for Ukraine and weakening Europe’s ability to act together. His defeat ends the blockages and charts a path forward after years of paralysis and allows Europe to finally stand united at a moment when unity has never mattered more. This opportunity will be especially important for Ukraine, ending a roadblock to providing the financial lifeline it desperately needs.
“To make the most of this opportunity demands leadership. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen must now take this impetus and stand up for Europe and for international law – something she has utterly failed to do. Whether during the devastation Israel has unleashed on Gaza or in the face of the contempt for international law shown by Trump, Europe under President von der Leyen has not stood up for Europe or our values.
“And this opportunity has raised the stakes for our own government as we head into the Irish Presidency. This must be about delivering a future for Europe grounded in solidarity, in the defence of international law, and in putting people first. Europe has been given a chance to reset. Now we need to make it count.”